His Majesty the Sultan graced Tiong Hwa community CNY celebration. Video by The Brunei Times.

The Tiong Hwa community treated His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, to a magic show and acrobatic performances during the Lunar New Year celebration at the International Convention Centre.

More than 1,000 people came together for the Lunar New Year celebration, the 10th year since His Majesty attended the first gathering that showcases Chinese culture and to promote cordial relations in the country.

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Accompanying the monarch were Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah and other royal family members.

The royal family was welcomed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, and chairman of the Lunar New Year celebration organising committee Lau Shiew Yuen at the ICC entrance, which was adorned with traditional red Chinese lanterns, flowers and artificial bamboo plants.

YB Pehin Dato Goh said the Tiong Hwa community was grateful to be living in a harmonious environment due to His Majesty’s leadership.

“This is the 10th year His Majesty and the royal family have been attending our Chinese New Year celebrations, and this reflects the unity of our people and country,” he added.

The Tiong Hwa community also presented a pesambah to His Majesty, a crystal that signifies continuous prosperity for Brunei.

The audience were enthralled with the performances including dances from Kuala Belait’s Chung Hua Middle School, a magic show by a Malaysian and an acrobatic troupe from China.

The Chung Hua Middle School students began the opening act with a dance performance using swords and fans as props. Text courtesy of Julius Hong and Rachel Thien of The Brunei Times and images courtesy of Vincent Hong.